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Hello all —
Longtime lurker, first time poster…I haven’t seen much burble and banter ’bout Scenic Lowell tom. night (8/14)…what gives?
Should be a great show in Lowell, MA on Aug. 14th. The last time Bruce was here, it was a blast and this show should be more of the same. There is an opening act called “The Brew”. These guys opened for Bruce and Co. back on 2006 in Lowell and played a nice set. For those attending the Lowell show: be forewarned…..this is a very small open-air park. People were allowed to show up early, drop off lawn chairs and “mark” their spot for the show. I’m assuming it will be the same type of setup for this one as well — unless it rains. I’ll be posting a setlist from this one once I get back! Can’t wait — it’s been two years since I’ve seen Bruce with the Noisemakers — and I can’t wait to hear some of the new stuff that’s supposedly being played on this leg. Bring it Noisemakers!!
First time seeing BH, first time seeing a show at Lowell (but will be catching Taj Mahal there in Sept.) so to say that I’m looking forward to it would be a definite understatement. I’ve got my request list ready and rarin’ to go…
I understand that if it rains, the show goes on (first BH forum pun hee hee) at the Cyrus Irish Auditorium, which according to the Lowell Park site, holds around 1300 people. Such a venue could lend an interesting ‘sock hop/high school talent show’ vibe to the musical goings-on 😆
A Bruce Hornsby concert virgin? (LOL)
You’re going to love it!! Have those requests ready — I know I will. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard Cruise Control, and I’m hoping for a little Sugaree as well!! Interesting that you said you’re going to Taj Mahal — that should be a good one. I’ve got tixs to see Keb Mo there in about two weeks. If you’re a local, I’d love to know if there are any decent places to eat around there 😆
cgessner wrote:A Bruce Hornsby concert virgin? (LOL)You’re going to love it!! Have those requests ready — I know I will. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard Cruise Control, and I’m hoping for a little Sugaree as well!! Interesting that you said you’re going to Taj Mahal — that should be a good one. I’ve got tixs to see Keb Mo there in about two weeks. If you’re a local, I’d love to know if there are any decent places to eat around there 😆
Virginal status confirmed! Better late than never, I s’pose…. 😮
Local? I wish…I’m coming from SE VT, which according to Google Maps is 90 miles EXACTLY from my driveway to 40 French Street.
Coincidentally — I was just surfing around to discover some pubs or bars within walking distance o’ the venue.
Looking forward to hearing what others have to say about the show. Good time….I enjoyed it….some parts more than others. Love when the improv kicks in. Wish I had submitted a request this time around!
Wow…my mind is blown.
Ain’t nothin’ like being there in person…
I was the dweeb that requested both the Ornette tune (which BH riffed twice: once in WWL and once in VR, I believe) and the Mo Ravel which he played before the Defenders>King O’ The Hill awesomeness (which featured BH gettin’ all musique concrete with a squeaky mic stand). I also asked for some Ives but I don’t think that he quoted that…can’t really remember, I think that I was getting a vicinity buzz from the ol’ skool Deadheads in front of me…
I have the whole setlist, I just can’t remember the order, other than opening with Sticks solo, closing with Rainbow’s Cad. (riffing on Monk’s Straight No Chaser), encoring with Fortunate>Numb. Surprised to hear Crown of Jewels and Swan Song… 😮 Lots of BH piano dissonance as well, pretty much wherever he could throw some in…also played Black Rats, which definitely has a Whiskey in The Jar/Thin Lizzy flavor.
By my watch, the show started around 8:40pm and ended at about 10:55, +/- 5mins or so…
I’m sure that someone who was more on the ball than I will post the complete setlist, with all the songs in proper order as played….
cgessner wrote:I’d love to know if there are any decent places to eat around there 😆Never found anything after about a 90 second websearch, so I figured that I’d find something when I got there. I needed some food, a beer and a shot(or two), and to see some of the Red Sox game…so some Barbara’s and some Kashi krap wasn’t gonna cut it. One of the Lowell Park employees/volunteers told me that there was a ‘spohts bah’ around ‘tha cornah…he must’ve meant Hookslide Kelly’s. I’m grateful to that guy and told him so.
Liked it so much I went back after the show for a nightcap
SETLIST and Review of Lowell, MA
Sticks & Stones (piano solo)
Little Sadie>White Wheeled Limousine
Crown of Jewels
Circus on the Moon
Mandolin Rain
Black Rats of London (new song from upcoming new album)
Jacob’s Ladder>Cartoons & Candy> Jacob’s Ladder (bluegrass/accordion time)
Resting Place
Swan Song
Valley Road>Questions & Answers> Valley Road
??Maurice Ravel #>Defenders of the Flag>King of the Hill>Mystery Train>King of the Hill
The Way It Is
Rainbow’s CadillacEncore: Fortunate Son>Comfortably Numb>Fortunate Son
On a night that was deemed by Bruce as “Bobby Read” night, Bruce and the Noisemakers put on quite a show in Lowell. The opened promptly at 7:30 with opening act “The Brew” from Amesbury, MA. The interesting piece about this band is that fellow-Noisemaker and sax player Bobby Read produced their last album. During The Brews’ opening 30-minute set, Bobby Read came out and played with them on a number which really jammed and rocked the house. In fact, during a good chunk of the set, you could see Bruce and various Noisemakers checking out the band as they were ripping it up. All-in-all, a very good opening set.
When Bruce took the stage at around 8:35, it was time for the only solo moment of the night; a very nice rendition of Sticks & Stones, from what Bruce deemed “his biggest stiff record”. From there, the Noisemakers came out and it was time to get it in gear with a nice rendition of White Wheeled Limousine. While I’ve heard Bruce play this song numerous times before, the fact is this is a song that you’ll never get sick of hearing live. It’s a great concert tune! After that, it was onto Crown of Jewels from the Ricky/Bruce bluegrass CD, and a rousing rendition of Circus on the Moon (one of my personal favorites from Halcyon Days). At this point, Bruce noted that he had played 6 shows in 7 nights and his voice was hitting its peak, so why not play Mandolin Rain right now. Perfect version with great playing Doug Derryberry on mandolin.
One of the many highlights for me was the next song, a new number from Bruce’ upcoming album (not named). Bruce strapped on the accordian and went into “Black Rats of London”. For those that haven’t heard it yet, it’s what I would describe as an Irish rocker with some great lyrics about the history of the United States. It’s a funny song, something that only Bruce could write and get away with. Loved it!! After that, Bruce kept the accordion on and invited the ladies up on stage for Jacob’s Ladder and Cartoons and Candy. At first, it looked like no one was going to go up on stage. But once a few ladies did, the floodgates opened and the stage was packed with women of all ages (and a couple of guys who must have thought they were women) dancing up a storm.
The next two songs were brought to life by Bruce and the Noisemakers as they did Spirit Trail favorites Resting Place and Swan Song. Both were played beautifully with Bruce once again showcasing his piano skillzzzzzz.
Back to the oldies next, as Valley Road was played in its original form, followed by Defenders of the Flag. It was at this point that the night got really interesting. Sonny Emory (in my opinion one of the best drummers I’ve ever seen…period) just TOOK OFF!! He put the evening into another gear that got Bruce to take advantage of the energy. The band kicked into King of the Hill/Mystery Train and Sonny was just ripping it up. Anything that was near his drum kit, he was banging on it — mic stand, floor, plastic glass around drums, etc… — it had the band laughing heartily and the crowd going nuts!! Again, unbelievable! The show then closed the regular set with the all-time favorites The Way It Is and Rainbow’s Cadillac. Both songs featured everyone in the band taking turns showcasing their various talents.
The encore included what Bruce described as “one of the most requested songs by people that know him and his band”; and they nailed the Fortunate Son>Comfortably Numb medley. A nice closing to a very good show with an interesting setlist.
Overall, if you liked the first Bruce Hornsby CD or the Spirit Trail CD, you would have liked this show. Both albums were well represented. In my opinion, I think the crowd might have influenced the setlist as the night went on. For those that have gone to the Lowell, MA venue, it’s a small public park which has NO seating. People bring their beach blankets and lawn chairs and setup shop as early as first thing in the morning — then come back later in the evening for the show. In my opinion, when you have people sitting so low to the ground, they basically don’t want to get up. While dancing was encouraged by Bruce on numbers such as Jacob’s Ladder and Cartoons and Candy, I was surprised that people DIDN’t get up at all (outside of a few people on the fringes of the stage) for other numbers that clearly called for people to MOVE (ie…Valley Road, King of the Hill, The Way It Is, and Rainbow’s Cadillac). Don’t get me wrong — the crowd was appreciative, but I didn’t catch the vibe that I normally get at a Bruce show.
And on one other note regarding the venue: I like this venue. The sound was great, decent food, easy-access parking, and the people working the show were great — but they need to change how people enter this venue and where they can sit. To have people setup shop HOURS before the concert to carve out their spot and then leave for dinner, work, etc..creates problems. I’ve been to this venue before and it was the same thing again last night. Dozens of blankets carved out on a small lawn area HOURS before the concert, then others coming in moving blankets, chairs, etc…; only to have the original people come back wondering why their items were moved or their space was reduced in size?? By having the small lawn area fill up fast, it amazed me how many people came into the venue at around 7:30 and tried to fit on the lawn upfront– even in patches that were not fit for anyone, just to get close to the stage. My suggestion: sell the upfront lawn section to people with a special ticket or season ticket holders so that everyone doesn’t try and crash this area; or, once you carve out your spot, you stay in it — don’t leave. On all of the occasions that I’ve been to this venue, I’ve alway spoke with people that can’t stand the way they allow for this to happen. I’m sure some people love it (probably the locals); but for the true fan of the artist, I don’t know if it’s beneficial.
Thanks once again to the people at Lowell who put on this show. This was the only New England appearance of Bruce and the Noisemakers, and for that — I am truly appreciative. Bring him back — soon!!
The problem with Boardinghouse Park, the Lowell venue, is it’s a public park, so they claim they can’t stop people from that activity. They do sell season tickets, and those are probably most of the people who were down in front. I remember Si saying last year that he was booted out of the front section by townies. I was way up back, with my husband (who didn’t really want to be there, so that made it a bit difficult), and the sound was good but I would prefer to be closer to the front for a more involved concert feeling, rather than just listening from the back.
My favorite part of the show was during Defenders, whenever they were playing and jazz riffs broke in! Props to you, Takavi, for being such a dweeb. And since ST is my favorite album, I was happy with most of the song choices.
I got a kick out of Bruce doing the dissonance thing for fun…not sure there are many who like it, but it’s a GREAT way to open Way It Is.
I loved it when they were goofing on Sonny’s percussion, and also when they were trading (twos? – they weren’t fours!) off during one of the early numbers, don’t remember which. Glad nobody depends on me for setlists!
WOW!
Sounds like a great show! With the exception of Amy, some newcomers! You guys need to stay in touch! Your input is appreciated! What about Circus on the Moon? Any “two hand independence”?? Give us some more details!
Plez don’t go into your “own private Idaho” (Right Allisa? 😆 )! We’ve enjoyed your “pithy” remarks!
David Day
Lake Lanier, GATakavl wrote:I understand that if it rains, the show goes on (first BH forum pun hee hee).Now that’s good! In fact it’s “R.G.”, in other words…..”real good”! 😆
Keep it up!
David Day
Lake Lanier, GAcgessner wrote:This was the only New England appearance of Bruce and the Noisemakers, and for that — I am truly appreciative. Bring him back — soon!!I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again….. 😆
At the end of the day, when the sun is setting and the cows are coming home, there is no place I would rather be than…..Bruuuce!
I can tell that you have finally been to the mountain and seen the light!
David Day
Lake Lanier, GAcgessner wrote:SETLIST and Review of Lowell, MA
One of the many highlights for me was the next song, a new number from Bruce’ upcoming album (not named). Bruce strapped on the accordian and went into “Black Rats of London”. For those that haven’t heard it yet, it’s what I would describe as an Irish rocker with some great lyrics about the history of the United States. It’s a funny song, something that only Bruce could write and get away with. Loved it!! After that, Bruce kept the accordion on and invited the ladies up on stage for Jacob’s Ladder and Cartoons and Candy. At first, it looked like no one was going to go up on stage. But once a few ladies did, the floodgates opened and the stage was packed with women of all ages (and a couple of guys who must have thought they were women) dancing up a storm.I can’t wait until Bay Days to make my request for “Black Rats of London”. I have my little rubber rat all ready…….
…and if I had been there, there would have been NO hesitation about dancing on stage. I would have been up there by the time he had finished strappin’ on the ole’ accordian….
MVF wrote:I can’t wait until Bay Days to make my request for “Black Rats of London”. I have my little rubber rat all ready…….and if I had been there, there would have been NO hesitation about dancing on stage. I would have been up there by the time he had finished strappin’ on the ole’ accordian….MVF, be easy on these guys! 😆 They don’t know yet that MVF stands for “Most Vociferous Female”! 😆 😆 😆
Oh….am I’m soo going to regret that one too! 😆 😆 😆
Can’t wait to see ya!
Lookin (southern expression) forward to it! David Day
Lake Lanier, GADavid Day wrote:What about Circus on the Moon? Any “two hand independence”?? Give us some more details!Oh, there was two handed independence all right. BH was in VERY fine form on the keyboards, without question. And don’t forget that he worked Paul McCartney’s “That would be something” into……I think WWL. And played it Leon-style, which I love.
It was sooooo great to see the Noisemakers back in action. They truly belong together and bring a smile to my face. If only it was a standing venue, I would have been more than happy.
It was funny, my husband really didn’t want to go. He doesn’t get why I go whenever Bruce shows up with the Noisemakers (although I loved the jazz stuff w/Christian McBride and Jack DeJ. last year)……but he’s a pretty good sport. He only slept through a couple of slow songs.
Wish I could make more shows, especially with meets & greets w/all you “good people.” Good summer fun.
Amy wrote:It was sooooo great to see the Noisemakers back in action. They truly belong together and bring a smile to my face.Amen sister!
How can you not have a smile on your face? We all need a “Noisemakers fix”! ❗
David Day
Lake Lanier, GAAmy wrote:And played it Leon-style, which I love.
Wish I could make more shows, especially with meets & greets w/all you “good people.” Good summer fun.It’s interesting you say that!
Bruce had to be influenced by Leon! You can tell that by some of his songs at shows! I got a great Leon stories to share sometime!Why not come down to Bay Days? You don’t want to miss it!
You have a chance to meet daverich, Rich, Bryan, MVF, Trent and….. It’s half way between you and me. If I can make it…..you can too!
David Day
Lake Lanier, GAAmy wrote:I wish I could make it. If only I didn’t have to work and count my vacation days……You will be missed!
I was hoping to meet ya (southern expression)! David Day
Lake Lanier, GA
Sounds like a great show! 
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